Optical Sensor-Integrated Cutting Tool for Meat Quality Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for invasive optical assessment of meat characteristics on slaughtered animal carcasses are limited in their ability to assess larger areas and are not adaptable to different cutting practices across regions, making it difficult to classify meat quality uniformly.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses an image acquisition unit with optical sensors integrated into a cutting tool to record and process sectional surfaces during the cutting operation, allowing for real-time visualization and classification of meat characteristics, enabling efficient and adaptable assessment of meat quality across various cutting practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a handheld probe with optical sensors is used to assess meat characteristics, then local measurement capability is improved, but the ability to assess larger areas and provide comprehensive quality classification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cutting tool: the blade performs cutting while optical sensors integrated into the blade holder simultaneously record the cut surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate handheld probe measurements and enables comprehensive assessment of the entire cut surface area during the cutting process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as a cutting device and as an optical measurement system. The blade holder incorporates sensors, illumination devices, and processing units that enable the tool to perform both mechanical cutting and optical assessment of meat characteristics across the entire cut surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If regional cutting practices are accommodated, then adaptability to local methods is improved, but uniformity of quality classification across regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system accommodates different regional cutting practices by adjusting measurement parameters and assessment criteria through software configuration. The control unit can modify evaluation parameters to suit different cutting depths, angles, and positions while maintaining consistent quality classification through standardized processing algorithms that normalize results across varying cutting conditions.
3Measurement precision
If separate measurement and cutting operations are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing time and operational complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensors are positioned in the blade holder to record the cut surface during the cutting operation itself, rather than requiring a separate measurement step after cutting is complete. This preliminary action of simultaneous recording during cutting eliminates additional processing time while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated sensor system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient, real-time assessment of meat characteristics during the cutting process, reducing processing time and allowing for uniform classification regardless of regional cutting practices, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of meat quality evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sectional surface of at least one cut introduced in the body (if need be, also extending all the way through this body) is optically recorded by means of corresponding sensors of an image acquisition unit
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for optically assessing properties of a body on at least one sectional surface of at least one cut introduced in the body in question. The sectional surface is thereby optically recorded directly during the cutting operation by an image acquisition unit, namely, by means of optical sensors of a blade of a cutting tool that is designed for this purpose. The data resulting from a digitization of the sensor signals that have been converted into electrical signals are then processed in an image processing device to visualize the at least one sectional surface on at least one display or/and to create reports in regard to the characteristics of the body or/and in order to classify the body in accordance with a classification system, or/and to derive control signals for a subsequent further processing of the body or of parts produced by the execution of the at least one cut.